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PLEASE NOTE: If you are looking for a quick > Plug&Play< fix – just move on.
If you follow the basic requirements to allow DC-UnLocker to do it’s intended job and it still does not locate your unit, you >with patience and due diligence< can turn that paper weight into a functioning accessory. You must possess basic PC skills and/ or are looking for a challenge and can exercise patients. I’ve tried to make this as clear as possible for the rather inexperienced to the PC savvy.
DC-UnLocker can’t locate your modem? The goal here is to point DC-UnLocker to the correct door (port) to access and unlock the device. If for what ever reason DC-UnLocker can’t negotiate the required path, this exercise should show the way to unlocked modem heaven.
Note: This thread is ~6 printed pages long so if you want to make this happen - print it.
General Tips:
Modem MUST BE CONNECTED USING YOUR USB
A WIFI link will not work. The unit must be physically connected.
You cannot unlock the modem you’re currently trying to unlock!
A SIM card NOT from the original carrier must be inserted.
To detect your modem you should be able to see the make (manufacturer) and model in the DC-UnLocker interface (Select manufacturer, Select model).
Under ideal conditions you should only have to select the manufacturer.
Install the latest version of DC-UnLocker if you don’t see your make and model.
If you have the latest version and still don’t see your make and model check with DC staff.
When your hunting for drivers, user interface (Dashboard), etc – go to the manufacturer rather than the retail provider, My T-Mobile Hotspot wasn’t built/ designed buy T-Mobile USA but ZTE in China. Go to the source. If you’re not sure who the manufacturer is – check under the battery – or Google the name as noted on the face and the manufacturer’s name will pop-up.
When my modem was not detected here is what I did:
1. > Inserted SIM card NOT from the original carrier.
For my T-Mobile (USA) router a Rogers (Canada) SIM was installed.
2. > USB cable connected. Windows XP searches for drivers - not found.
Normally the 4G unit in question (ZTE MF61) should load a virtual CD drive with all necessary drivers and a second drive to access the on-board SD memory card. If your unit does load it’s drivers automatically then this might not be the path to take. Through this exercise you should be able to confirm all the right channels are open and clear.
3. > Windows Device Manager reveals:
Modems: Proprietary USB Modem - ZTE
Ports (COM & LPT): T-Mobile AT (COM 10)
T-Mobile Diagnostics Port (COM 11)
Note : No Network adapters like : T-Mobile Wireless Ethernet Adapter
What is found is a great start. It signifies that the computer sees something – it just isn’t sure what. If your unit doesn’t make any sort of mark in your Device Manager – check all connections, power, is the unit ON?
PRIMER: To access Device Manager : Right-click on My Computer > select
properties
In the System Properties window select Hardware > Device Manager. Here you’ll find all your computers components – both real and virtual. Clicking on any +sign expands the selected device detail
If you have trouble – use Windows Help to find your Device Manager. To do this open any Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 window [read: file] – not your browser nor any program then select:
Help > Help And Support Center – Search: Using Device Manager- Select under Overviews, Articles, Tutorials > Using Device Manager
or Google: How do I open Device Manager in Windows.
Ideally you should see in your Device Manger under Network adapters [click on the >+< sign]
something like:
Mobile Connect - Network Adapter <wireless modem
Broadcom 440x 10/ 100 Integrated Controller <Ethernet card
Intel ® Pro/Wireless 3948ABG Network Connection < wireless card
Most PCs (and MACs) have a on-board ethernet controller but you should see
something related to your modem: Ports, Storage Volumes, Modem, Network adapters.
Check them all.
One trick to discover what loads up in Device Manager is to expand all possibly related device headings – click on the >+<sign beside the following so you can view the currently installed components:
Modems
Network Adapters
PCMCIA adapters
Ports (COM & LPT)
While all these device headings are visible – unplug (remove) your USB connection from your wireless modem to your PC and watch what disappears and what reappears when you reconnect the USB.
If you don’t see any changes then something is really off. Your cable or the unit itself is defective. Make sure the unit lights up when powered-up.
If you do see your HAUWEI Mobile Connect – Network Adapter (for example) then your mission is still the same – configure your wireless modem to connect with the DC- UnLocker software.
In my case – I didn’t see the network adapter but just peripheral components.
4. > Now the "fun" part: Here I match the COM ports assigned to the
DC- UnLocker software and the wireless modem.
Through the device manager I expanded modems [just under Mice and other pointing devices] and found two modems:
on-board dial-up modem
ZTE Proprietary USB modem
This is great. Seeing anything directly referring to the wireless modem is comforting.
If you don’t see something similar to my Proprietary modem – check for something like an AT Port (COM 10) under: Ports (COM & LPT) and configure it as below.
5. > I (right click) - on the *ZTE Proprietary USB modem (or AT Port ) then
selected: *properties, *advanced tab, *advanced Port Settings
Here it displays the Proprietary USB modem is assigned to say - COM 12
If DC-UnLocker is not already open – do so.
A small primer here:
The DC-UnLocker user interface (what you see on your screen) has on the left side > four selectable options:
Manufacturer select
Model select
Ports: Application < click on the arrow to see available port settings
Diagnostic < click on the arrow to see available port settings
I then compared the (3) possible Application port settings in DC-Unlocker
and
the selected COM 12 (COM port # assigned to my virtual modem).
If COM 12 was not available in DC-Unlocker:
I went back to: Selecting Advanced Port Settings For COM12
(or whatever com port # shown)
Clicked on the list of port number(s) - revealing both available & used ports.
Comparing the (3) possible Application port settings in DC-Unlocker
with those in the Advanced Port Settings for COM XX, I selected one of the
available ports - other than COM12
If say DC-Locker avails COM 3, 10, 11 and COM 10 is available to the
Proprietary USB modem then COM 10 is selected in both.
If DC-Locker avails COM 3, 10, 11 and all are not available (in use) in the
Advanced Port Settings, I simply selected COM10 in DC-Unlocker and the
same
in Advanced Port Settings (to configure the Proprietary USB modem).
So what was COM12 is now COM10 or in lay terms DC-UnLocker can talk to the ZTE Proprietary USB modem.
Essentially the COM ports must match. You have only 3 COM port options within DC-UnLocker but 256 in Windows.
The same approach was applied to setting up the DC-UnLocker Diagnostic port.
Via the Device manager – expanding > Ports (COM & LPT) – displayed:
T-Mobile AT (COM 10)
T-Mobile Diagnostics Port (COM 11) < I want to match this with DC-UnLocker
If DC-UnLocker allows Port Diagnostic to COM port 11 – good - then I would select it.
Otherwise :
Under: Ports (COM & LPT) [within Device Manager]
You might (hopefully) see something like:
Mobile Connect – 3G PC UI Interface (COM 10)
Or in my case: T-Mobile Diagnostics Port (COM 3)
T-Mobile AT Port (COM 10)
right click/ select properties on T-Mobile Diagnostics Port (COM 3)
Select the *Port Settings tab, *advanced … and access Advanced Port Settings For COM X (“X” begin the current port assignment)
Of the three COM Port options available in DC Unlocker find one of those not
in use in the
Advanced Port Settings list. If none of the three “DC” options are not in
use – choose one of the three – ignore any warnings and select “yes” and close.
So if all is well the Application port setting in the DC-UnLocker should equal the COM port setting for the Virtual Modem
and….
The DC-UnLocker Diagnostic port setting should be the same as the Diagnostics Port associated with your modem.
With matching COM port configurations and a proper USB connect – it should work. It did for me. Before this little journey my wireless modem was a useless modem
I would very much like to hear any feedback if this helped you or was a complete waist of your time. You can contact me directly via the link in blue at the top left of this posting.
Best regards,
Sparkolas (Sparky)
If you follow the basic requirements to allow DC-UnLocker to do it’s intended job and it still does not locate your unit, you >with patience and due diligence< can turn that paper weight into a functioning accessory. You must possess basic PC skills and/ or are looking for a challenge and can exercise patients. I’ve tried to make this as clear as possible for the rather inexperienced to the PC savvy.
DC-UnLocker can’t locate your modem? The goal here is to point DC-UnLocker to the correct door (port) to access and unlock the device. If for what ever reason DC-UnLocker can’t negotiate the required path, this exercise should show the way to unlocked modem heaven.
Note: This thread is ~6 printed pages long so if you want to make this happen - print it.
General Tips:
Modem MUST BE CONNECTED USING YOUR USB
A WIFI link will not work. The unit must be physically connected.
You cannot unlock the modem you’re currently trying to unlock!
A SIM card NOT from the original carrier must be inserted.
To detect your modem you should be able to see the make (manufacturer) and model in the DC-UnLocker interface (Select manufacturer, Select model).
Under ideal conditions you should only have to select the manufacturer.
Install the latest version of DC-UnLocker if you don’t see your make and model.
If you have the latest version and still don’t see your make and model check with DC staff.
When your hunting for drivers, user interface (Dashboard), etc – go to the manufacturer rather than the retail provider, My T-Mobile Hotspot wasn’t built/ designed buy T-Mobile USA but ZTE in China. Go to the source. If you’re not sure who the manufacturer is – check under the battery – or Google the name as noted on the face and the manufacturer’s name will pop-up.
When my modem was not detected here is what I did:
1. > Inserted SIM card NOT from the original carrier.
For my T-Mobile (USA) router a Rogers (Canada) SIM was installed.
2. > USB cable connected. Windows XP searches for drivers - not found.
Normally the 4G unit in question (ZTE MF61) should load a virtual CD drive with all necessary drivers and a second drive to access the on-board SD memory card. If your unit does load it’s drivers automatically then this might not be the path to take. Through this exercise you should be able to confirm all the right channels are open and clear.
3. > Windows Device Manager reveals:
Modems: Proprietary USB Modem - ZTE
Ports (COM & LPT): T-Mobile AT (COM 10)
T-Mobile Diagnostics Port (COM 11)
Note : No Network adapters like : T-Mobile Wireless Ethernet Adapter
What is found is a great start. It signifies that the computer sees something – it just isn’t sure what. If your unit doesn’t make any sort of mark in your Device Manager – check all connections, power, is the unit ON?
PRIMER: To access Device Manager : Right-click on My Computer > select
properties
In the System Properties window select Hardware > Device Manager. Here you’ll find all your computers components – both real and virtual. Clicking on any +sign expands the selected device detail
If you have trouble – use Windows Help to find your Device Manager. To do this open any Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 window [read: file] – not your browser nor any program then select:
Help > Help And Support Center – Search: Using Device Manager- Select under Overviews, Articles, Tutorials > Using Device Manager
or Google: How do I open Device Manager in Windows.
Ideally you should see in your Device Manger under Network adapters [click on the >+< sign]
something like:
Mobile Connect - Network Adapter <wireless modem
Broadcom 440x 10/ 100 Integrated Controller <Ethernet card
Intel ® Pro/Wireless 3948ABG Network Connection < wireless card
Most PCs (and MACs) have a on-board ethernet controller but you should see
something related to your modem: Ports, Storage Volumes, Modem, Network adapters.
Check them all.
One trick to discover what loads up in Device Manager is to expand all possibly related device headings – click on the >+<sign beside the following so you can view the currently installed components:
Modems
Network Adapters
PCMCIA adapters
Ports (COM & LPT)
While all these device headings are visible – unplug (remove) your USB connection from your wireless modem to your PC and watch what disappears and what reappears when you reconnect the USB.
If you don’t see any changes then something is really off. Your cable or the unit itself is defective. Make sure the unit lights up when powered-up.
If you do see your HAUWEI Mobile Connect – Network Adapter (for example) then your mission is still the same – configure your wireless modem to connect with the DC- UnLocker software.
In my case – I didn’t see the network adapter but just peripheral components.
4. > Now the "fun" part: Here I match the COM ports assigned to the
DC- UnLocker software and the wireless modem.
Through the device manager I expanded modems [just under Mice and other pointing devices] and found two modems:
on-board dial-up modem
ZTE Proprietary USB modem
This is great. Seeing anything directly referring to the wireless modem is comforting.
If you don’t see something similar to my Proprietary modem – check for something like an AT Port (COM 10) under: Ports (COM & LPT) and configure it as below.
5. > I (right click) - on the *ZTE Proprietary USB modem (or AT Port ) then
selected: *properties, *advanced tab, *advanced Port Settings
Here it displays the Proprietary USB modem is assigned to say - COM 12
If DC-UnLocker is not already open – do so.
A small primer here:
The DC-UnLocker user interface (what you see on your screen) has on the left side > four selectable options:
Manufacturer select
Model select
Ports: Application < click on the arrow to see available port settings
Diagnostic < click on the arrow to see available port settings
I then compared the (3) possible Application port settings in DC-Unlocker
and
the selected COM 12 (COM port # assigned to my virtual modem).
If COM 12 was not available in DC-Unlocker:
I went back to: Selecting Advanced Port Settings For COM12
(or whatever com port # shown)
Clicked on the list of port number(s) - revealing both available & used ports.
Comparing the (3) possible Application port settings in DC-Unlocker
with those in the Advanced Port Settings for COM XX, I selected one of the
available ports - other than COM12
If say DC-Locker avails COM 3, 10, 11 and COM 10 is available to the
Proprietary USB modem then COM 10 is selected in both.
If DC-Locker avails COM 3, 10, 11 and all are not available (in use) in the
Advanced Port Settings, I simply selected COM10 in DC-Unlocker and the
same
in Advanced Port Settings (to configure the Proprietary USB modem).
So what was COM12 is now COM10 or in lay terms DC-UnLocker can talk to the ZTE Proprietary USB modem.
Essentially the COM ports must match. You have only 3 COM port options within DC-UnLocker but 256 in Windows.
The same approach was applied to setting up the DC-UnLocker Diagnostic port.
Via the Device manager – expanding > Ports (COM & LPT) – displayed:
T-Mobile AT (COM 10)
T-Mobile Diagnostics Port (COM 11) < I want to match this with DC-UnLocker
If DC-UnLocker allows Port Diagnostic to COM port 11 – good - then I would select it.
Otherwise :
Under: Ports (COM & LPT) [within Device Manager]
You might (hopefully) see something like:
Mobile Connect – 3G PC UI Interface (COM 10)
Or in my case: T-Mobile Diagnostics Port (COM 3)
T-Mobile AT Port (COM 10)
right click/ select properties on T-Mobile Diagnostics Port (COM 3)
Select the *Port Settings tab, *advanced … and access Advanced Port Settings For COM X (“X” begin the current port assignment)
Of the three COM Port options available in DC Unlocker find one of those not
in use in the
Advanced Port Settings list. If none of the three “DC” options are not in
use – choose one of the three – ignore any warnings and select “yes” and close.
So if all is well the Application port setting in the DC-UnLocker should equal the COM port setting for the Virtual Modem
and….
The DC-UnLocker Diagnostic port setting should be the same as the Diagnostics Port associated with your modem.
With matching COM port configurations and a proper USB connect – it should work. It did for me. Before this little journey my wireless modem was a useless modem
I would very much like to hear any feedback if this helped you or was a complete waist of your time. You can contact me directly via the link in blue at the top left of this posting.
Best regards,
Sparkolas (Sparky)
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